At the 2015 Town meeting the School committee had an article to borrow 360,000. When asked what they wanted the money for, the principal replied that they needed the money in part to pay back 176,000 the was put into the wrong account. WHAT???

This section includes a few videos that were produced to try to figure out what happened…

This is an issue that has raised many questions by the residents. Where did the money go? After they realized the money was transferred, why did they not transfer it back? Who transferred the money in the first place and why?….. “THE RIGHT TO KNOW” the residents want answers…

Join in and comment on this is issue. The “Right to Know” from the constitution of Vermont and US. It keeps us free! We just want an explanation …..

The principal of the elementary School in Newport Center VT was made a request for documents relating to this issue. Here are the emails. Her great reluctance to provide them was noted… read more below

These are the emails sent to the principal of the Newport Town Elementary School for a request of financial documents to explain an issue of a misplaced 170,000. I have posted this to show a most usual response to requests to public servants when documents are requested.

The language of the law states you may go into a public office at the hours of 9AM – 12AM or 1PM – 4PM and request documents. They are to promptly provide access to the docs to view and or copy. YOU DO NOT have to give a reason to see the documents. If they deny this they must provide at that time a written explanation of why you were denied and a time for you to return to view them if it is not possible.

I anticipate reluctance after I left a message and did not receive a call back so I decided I would have to email.

As you know I left you a message on Thursday May 19 with your receptionist because you were “at a meeting”.

I have not heard back from you since.

At this time consider this a formal request for documents in particular and in reference to a statement you made at the TOWN MEETING 2016 concerning an amount of 170,000 that was quote “put in a wrong account”

I would like to inspect the ledger items for the account in which the 170,000 was originally in a few days prior and leading to date of the transfer of the amount to the account it finally got transferred to. I would also like all the payable transactions subsequent to the transfer in ledger type with details of by who and what disbursements were for.

I realize you may not be familiar with the the new amended laws of the Public Records Act and the Open Meeting Laws. So I might suggest you consult with Secretary of State or the VLCT of which the town has membership to before you might make the decision for a denial of this request. So I will give you a couple of days.

Before the end of the week. I will come to the school to inspect and possible copy these documents
between the hours allowed by PRA .. 9 -12 AM and 1 PM – 4 PM. Should you wish to deny this access, you are required to provide a written statement explaining why.

I am also asking to be included on the agenda for the next Schoolboard meeting June 2nd at 5:30 PM at the school to discuss the issue further.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and compliance to this State and Federal Laws

I received a phone message from your receptionist today May 23 stating that you are once again to busy for the next two days and you would call me on Wednesday. By law you are to provide these documents promptly when asked and if not you should supply a written reason of why you either are denying or if you can not do it promptly why and a time you can provide the documents for inspection. I have given you ample time so far. I am a busy man also.

I feel as though you circumventing the inspection of these documents. On Wednesday I will expect to access these documents. If I am denied I will take this to the next level. Non compliance of this law is a crime and has to be heard in Superior court.

When I ask Denise for documents she provides them in the same day. Please do not test me any further.

I am very busy and you are wasting my time and possible putting yourself in the way of legal consequence.

I have arranged for you to meet with Glenn Hankison, NCSU Business Manager at a time between 8:00 and 10:00 on Wednesday. Glenn needs to be finished by 12:00. He wants to determine which documents you would like to review and provide copies if necessary.

Wendy

Sent from my iPhone

4th response

On May 23, 2016, at 3:55 PM, “info@townnewport.com” <info@townnewport.com> wrote:

Wendy,
Thanks for your reply, 9 AM will work for me., I will video tape this, it is my right as well as the residents want to hear this. Where is the meeting?